Watercolour of a person skiing on a mountain

Possible activities in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is pure Alpine bliss. High peaks and deep valleys come together here. And right in the middle of it all: a genuine Bavarian way of life.

Anyone looking for activities in Garmisch-Partenkirchen will not only find a programme here – but a feeling. Summer and winter. Outdoors and indoors. And always with a view of the great lady of the Wetterstein: the Zugspitze.

Come for the mountains. Stay for the moments.

A lake with a hut and mountains in the background.

Insider tips
for Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen can do postcards. But there are also some real insider tips. If you take a closer look, you will discover special places, little rituals and moments that are not in the classic travel guide.

Here are five insider tips for authentic Garmisch-Partenkirchen activities – very close to real Alpine life.

Experience sunrise on the Wank: It's worth getting up early. When the first rays of sunshine bathe the Zugspitze in warm gold, the moment is almost magical. Fewer people, more amazement.

Through the Partnach Gorge in the early morning: Visit the Partnach Gorge right at the opening – when the light falls through the water mist and it is still pleasantly quiet. Nature could hardly be more intense.

Eibsee loop with picnic break: Don't just look at the Eibsee, walk round it. Seven kilometres of panoramic views, crystal-clear water and plenty of perfect spots for a short break.

Historic Ludwigstraße in the evening light: When it gets quieter, the historic Ludwigstraße shows its most beautiful character. Airy paintings, warm lights, relaxed strolling. Pure Bavarian feeling.

Kramerplateau trail for connoisseurs: magnificent views of the Wetterstein mountains – without having to climb to the summit. Ideal for anyone who loves the mountains but wants to take it easy on the way.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen sights

Lake Eibsee with trees and mountains in the background

The Eibsee

The Caribbean meets the Alps. Located directly at the foot of the Zugspitze, the Eibsee delights with its crystal-clear, turquoise-coloured water. In summer, it is perfect for swimming, stand-up paddling or pedal boating. The approximately seven-kilometre lake circuit is one of the most beautiful walks in the region – with a constant view of the mountain panorama.

The Zugspitze

Germany's highest peak. At 2,962 metres, the Zugspitze is the region's landmark and one of the must-do sights in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Whether by modern cable car or historic cog railway – a 360° panorama over the Alps of Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland awaits at the top. In winter, the glacier ski area beckons, in summer the spectacular views.

A man and a woman are walking in the snow in front of a large ski jump.

The Olympic ski jump

Winter sports history up close. The large Olympic ski jump is a real landmark of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It hosted the 1936 Winter Olympics and is now regularly used for international ski jumping events. If you wish, you can visit the ski jump as part of a guided tour – including an impressive view from the jump tower.

A river flows between the rocks of the Partnachklamm gorge.

The Partnach Gorge

Wild, pristine, impressive. Rock faces up to 80 metres high rise steeply upwards here, while the Partnach roars its way through the narrow gorge. Well-secured footbridges lead right through the middle – an intense nature experience and definitely one of the most impressive sights in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Summer or winter? Garmisch always works.

This versatile Alpine destination will delight you at any time of year – whether you want snow under your feet or sun on your face. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the perfect place for anyone looking for nature, freedom and a real mountain feeling.

Snow-covered mountain with trees in the foreground.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen activities in winter

Skiing, snowboarding and winter hiking in the Bavarian Alps

When the first snow falls, Werdenfelser Land shows its sportiest side. Garmisch-Partenkirchen activities in winter range from relaxed snow walks to challenging downhill runs. The Garmisch-Classic ski area has around 40 kilometres of pistes – including the legendary Kandahar downhill run, which regularly hosts World Cup races. The ski area on the Zugspitze takes you high up: Germany's only glacier ski area offers guaranteed snow until spring. Garmisch-Partenkirchen also has cross-country ski trails, winter hiking trails and toboggan runs. Winter is not a state here. It is a feeling.

View from the balcony of the HENRI Hotel Garmisch-Partenkirchen with flowers and mountains in the background.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen activities in summer

Hiking, mountaineering & nature experiences around the Zugspitze

As soon as the alpine meadows bloom, the high season for outdoor fans begins. The possible activities in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in summer are as varied as the landscape itself. An absolute must among the sights in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: the Partnachklamm gorge. Rock faces up to 80 metres high, thundering waterfalls and narrow footbridges make the walk through the gorge a real nature experience. Panoramic views are guaranteed on the ascent to the Zugspitze – by cog railway or cable car. Once at the top, you can enjoy a 360° view of around 400 Alpine peaks in four countries. The Kramerplateau trail with its gentle metres of elevation gain is recommended for connoisseurs. Ambitious mountaineers are drawn to the Alpspitze – including a spectacular via ferrata. And mountain bikers? There are a variety of trails around Garmisch between the valley and the summit. Out here, you can clear your head. Quite automatically.

The HENRI Hotel in Garmisch-Partenlkirchen with trees by the roadside and mountains in the background.

Your home in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The HENRI Hotel Garmisch-Partenkirchen is centrally located in the town centre – the ideal starting point for all activities in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The historic Ludwigstraße is just a few steps away, with cafés, restaurants and small boutiques practically around the corner.

And the mountains? Always in sight.

Alpine charm with a modern twist awaits you at the HENRI: a cosy living area with a home-cooking concept, honest materials and the feeling of staying with friends rather than in a classic hotel.

In the morning, fortify yourself at the breakfast buffet, head out into nature during the day – and return to your living room in the Alps in the evening.

Central location. Short distances. Long memories.

to the HENRI garmisch-partenkirchen

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